Honoring Children Of Alcoholics Week

Other members of the board of directors are retired FBI Agent Fred Anderson; Mark S. Atkins of Lee Memorial Health System; Diana Black, First Community Bank of Southwest Florida; Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Cameron; Joseph P. D’Alessandro, Goldberg, Racila, D’Alessandro and Noone, LLC, and former state attorney; Scot D. Goldberg, Goldberg, Racila, D’Alessandro and Noone, LLC; Assistant Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart; and Kathleen Smith, public defender for the 20th Judicial Circuit.

“This group’s diverse experience and knowledge will help guide SWFAS’ activities as a critical part of the health care system, focusing on the treatment and prevention of substance use disorders,” said SWFAS CEO Kevin B. Lewis.

SWFAS is Southwest Florida’s leader in the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. About 5,000 people per year, from ages 9 to 90, start on the road to recovery with the nationally-acclaimed programs of SWFAS. SWFAS offers state-of-the-art residential and outpatient facilities for both adults and adolescents from five locations in Lee County and two in Hendry County. In addition, SWFAS provides detoxification services for adults, prevention programming, and an Employee Assistance Program for about 60 Southwest Florida businesses. All treatment programs are evidence-based and accredited by CARF.

SWFAS services are not free. Payment plans are available and, in many cases, private insurance may cover some of the cost of treatment. Some prevention and treatment services are partially supported by Lee County and state funding to help income-eligible residents. SWFAS is a United Way agency. SWFAS provides services for all regardless of disability or handicap. Accommodations will be provided upon request.

For more information, visit www.swfas.org or call (239) 332-6937.

“Alcohol consumption typically peaks during the holiday season. We’re cautioning everyone to exercise good judgment and to be responsible if they choose to drink. There are many thoughtful options available to partygoers,” said Kevin B. Lewis, chief executive officer of Southwest Florida Addiction Services.

December also is Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month and law enforcement will be on the alert for residents who drink and drive to better protect citizens.

More than half of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. Lewis said alcohol abuse is the number one substance use issue in Lee County and Florida due to its prevalence.

“Alcohol is a drug that depresses the central nervous system and causes sleepiness, lack of coordination and impairs judgment,” Lewis said. “These effects are all harmful to our driving abilities.”

In Florida, the illegal blood-alcohol level is .08 or higher. “A person who weighs 140 pounds will reach that limit with three drinks in an hour. Because a person may not feel drunk, they may not realize that their reaction time and driving skills are measurably impaired,” Lewis said. “Not eating properly, interaction with prescription and over the counter medications, and fatigue can all enhance the effect of alcohol on an individual.”

Lewis said those hosting parties must take responsibility for their guests. That means having non-alcoholic beverages on hand for both designated drivers and drinkers, and plenty of food to reduce the absorption rate of alcohol into the system.

“Be sure and offer non-alcoholic alternatives to your friends who may attend a party, and remember that a good host won’t let a guest drive away under the influence. Having more non-salty snacks can be helpful, and be aware that simply offering coffee doesn’t alter one’s state of intoxication. It may simply wake up a person who’s under the influence,” Lewis offered.

Particularly vulnerable during this time of year may be adolescents with holiday time on their hands and the elderly who often feel isolated or depressed, but alcohol is an equal opportunity issue, Lewis added.

“All of us knowing persons in these categories need to pay special attention and find healthy holiday alternatives,” he said.

SWFAS is Southwest Florida’s leader in the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders. About 5,000 people annually, from ages 9 to 90, start on the road to recovery with the nationally-acclaimed programs of SWFAS. SWFAS offers state-of-the-art residential and outpatient facilities for both adults and adolescents from five locations in Lee County and two in Hendry County.

In addition, SWFAS provides detoxification services for adults, prevention programming, and an Employee Assistance Program for about 60 Southwest Florida businesses. All treatment programs are evidence-based and accredited by CARF.

SWFAS services are not free. Payment plans are available and, in many cases, private insurance may cover some of the cost of treatment. Many prevention and treatment services are partially supported by Lee County and state funding to help income-eligible residents. SWFAS is a United Way agency. SWFAS provides services for all regardless of disability or handicap. Accommodations will be provided upon request.

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Tips for enjoying safe holiday parties for both guests and hosts follow, as well as recipes for alcohol-free mocktails.

About Alcohol Consumption:

A 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and a 1.5-ounce shot of 80 proof hard liquor all contain the same amount of alcohol. Coffee, cold showers and exercise do not quicken sobriety. Each one-half ounce of alcohol takes the average body about one hour to process and eliminate. Only passage of time will free the body from the effects of alcohol.

If the choice is made to drink at a New Year’s party:

1) Eat before drinking. Food in the stomach will slow down the rate of alcohol absorption into the bloodstream.

2) Remember that fatigue and medications can impact how you respond to alcohol. Either of these can dramatically enhance the effect alcohol has on the drinker.

3) Drink slowly, sip the drink and space drinks.

4) Set a limit; don’t exceed it!

5) Stop while still in control.

6) Don’t let friends drive drunk. If you have not drank any alcohol, drive your friend home or offer to call him or her a cab.

7) Do not drive after drinking. Take turns being a designated non-drinking responsible driver.

Source: Southwest Florida Addiction Services and Americans for a Drug-Free America

If You Are Hosting a New Year’s Eve Party With Alcohol:

1) Always serve food. Protein-based items such as cheese, shrimp cocktails, spareribs, and pizza inhibit the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. Avoid thirst-provoking appetizers such as chips, pretzels, or other salty snacks.

2) Serve food in waves to encourage frequent return trips back to the table. Or, pass food on trays circulated around the room.

3) Remember that unique and interesting foods encourage consumption.

4) Plan the event so that the focus is on people or events, and not on drinking. Plan an interesting program, social activity, or other entertainment.

5) If guests are charged a fee, separate the price of admission or food from the cost of the drinks. Do not force the non-drinkers to share the cost of alcoholic beverages.

6) Sign no contract with a caterer requiring a minimum amount of sales — such contracts might encourage excessive drinking.

7) Offer non-alcoholic beverages. Serve alcoholic drinks only upon request. Always have non-alcoholic beverages available for mixing as well as drinking.

If preparing alcoholic punch, use a non-carbonated base like fruit juice. Alcohol is absorbed faster into bloodstream with a carbonated base.

9) Control the flow of liquor by avoiding self-service bars.

10) Have bartenders adhere to strict serving guidelines: a) Measure correct amounts of liquor in drinks — no doubles, b) Do not serve individuals who appear to be impaired, c) Never serve minors.

11) Close the bar one hour before the end of the party and have non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., coffee, tea, soft drinks, and dessert) available at that time.

12) If a guest has been drinking, offer to drive him or her home — or call a cab. Keep numbers of several cab companies around.

13) Know what “safe ride” programs are available in your area.
Recruit people ahead of time who will not be drinking to help you make sure everyone has a safe ride home. Half of all fatal car accidents in Southwest Florida involve alcohol.

Source: Southwest Florida Addiction Services, Office for Substance Abuse Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Highway Traffic Administration of the Department of Transportation

Non-Alcoholic “Mocktails”

Designated Driver’s Delight
 2 1/2 oz. orange juice
 1 1/4 oz. pineapple juice
 1 1/4 oz. cranberry juice
 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
 3-4 frozen strawberries

Mix in a blender until smooth. Serve in a hurricane glass with an orange slide and a strawberry.

The Enforcer
 Fresh brewed coffee
 Whipped cream
 Chocolate sprinkles
 Sugar cubes
 Cinnamon

Pour coffee into a mug and stir in two sugar cubes and a dash of cinnamon. Top with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.

Citrus Collins
 2 oz. orange or grapefruit juice
 1 oz. lemon juice
 1 oz. simple syrup*

Fill a 10-12 oz. glass with ice. Add ingredients above and then fill with club soda. Garnish with ½ orange slide and cherry.

* HINT: Simple Syrup — In a saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Boil gently for 5 minutes. Makes about 2 cups. Will keep 6 months in the refrigerator.

Pink Mist
 5 oz. grapefruit juice
 1 oz. grenadine
 2 oz. pina colada mix
 Splash of seltzer

Blend ingredients, serve over ice, garnish with pineapple and cherries.

Coffee Eggnog
 2 eggs, separated
 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
 1/3 cup sugar
 1/3 cup instant coffee
 dash salt
 2 cups milk, chilled
 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
 shaved, unsweetened chocolate

In a small bowl with electric mixer at high speed, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar until stiff peaks form. In large bowl, beat egg yolks until lemon colored. Gradually beat in coffee, salt, vanilla, milk and 3/4 cup water. Stir in egg-white mixture and whipped cream. Mix well. Serve well chilled, with chocolate sprinkled over each serving. Makes 12 servings.

Red Delicious Punch

Pour 2 bottles of nonalcoholic sparkling cider into a punch bowl. Mix in 1 quart of cranberry juice. Float a frozen ice ring and garnish with sprigs of mint.

Kaux Kir

For each serving, half fill a large wine glass with chilled white grape juice. Stir in 1 tbsp. nonalcoholic grenadine syrup. Fill with cold raspberry ginger ale.

New Year’s Eve Kiss

Pour 2 oz. passion fruit juice in a champagne flute. Fill with club soda.

Source: Southwest Florida Addiction Services, National Commission Against Drunk Driving, National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month Coalition.

Steven Hill

In his new role, Hill will be responsible for all substance abuse treatment and operations at the Vince Smith Center at 2450 Prince Street in Fort Myers. The Vince Smith Center opened in 1990 as Lee County’s only residential treatment program for teens with drug and alcohol abuse problems. Since that time, thousands of local young people have started on the road to recovery at the CARF- accredited center.
Up to 20 individuals between the ages of 13 and 17 live at the Vince Smith Center for two to three months while participating in treatment for substance use disorders. Patients also receive school services from the Lee County School Board, and families participate in family counseling to help them develop a plan for recovery.

Hill had been appointed interim director of the Vince Smith Center after the recent retirement of former Vince Smith Center Director Lydia Neal. Prior to joining SWFAS, Hill worked for the Three Springs Residential Treatment Center of Courtland, Ala., and in clinical positions with the Huntsville/Madison County Mental Health Center and the Decatur General West Behavioral Medicine Center, both in Alabama, and the Mental Health Centers of North Central Alabama.

Hill also has experience as a child abuse investigator with the Florida Department of Children & Families.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and his Master of Arts degree in community counseling, both from the University of North Alabama. He is a Certified Addictions Professional (CAP) and is a certified Moral Reconation Therapy Facilitator.

LEE COUNTY – Most people wouldn’t think twice if they saw gummy bears in a child’s backpack, but Cape Coral Police are warning parents to watch out for this snack. Some people are using them as a new way to get drunk.

They’re called boozy bears or drunk gummies; teens tell us they’re an easy way to get a buzz.

“I have to say they’re pretty good,” 17-year-old ‘Adam’ tells NBC2.

“If (my parents) saw gummies in my backpack, I think they’d think ‘oh, that’s nice’ and not think anything of it,” 17-year-old ‘Sarah’ tells NBC2.

Parents think they look innocent, but teens we spoke with in confidence know all about them.

“It has a kick to it, because of the alcohol, and it’s fruity also. It’s good. It would be better than taking a shot because shots just go down gross. So you just take a handful of gummies,” ‘Sarah’ said.

But the liquored-up candies can be potent.

“The kids have no idea what they’re actually ingesting,” Southwest Florida Addiction Services Clinical Director Steven Hill said.

Hill says teens are popping the drunk gummies everywhere from parties to the bus stop.

“Parents have no idea. It’s not something where you can go in the room and find the bottle of vodka. You see gummy bears sitting on the counter, you don’t even give it a second look,” Hill said.

The gummies mask the smell and taste of booze, and teens say they can eat several before realizing just how strong they are.

“Until you feel the kick and then you’re like, wow, I didn’t know there was alcohol in there. They seem pretty innocent,” ‘Sarah’ said.

How many does it take before the alcohol kicks in? We solicited the help of Cape Coral Police; after an hour of eating the gummies one officer was too drunk to drive.

She didn’t even feel the effects at first, which may prompt teens to consume more in an effort to get a buzz.

Parents can tell the difference between regular gummies and boozy bears by looking at their size; the kind with alcohol swell up to more than double the size of the original candies.

Cape Coral Police are reaching out to parent’s groups about the gummies. So far, no area school districts have any reports of misuse of gummies during school hours.

Link To Watch Video

Cape Coral Mayor John Sullivan said SWFAS was an “invaluable resource” in Cape Coral that was helping residents recover from substance abuse, which has been called America’s number one health problem by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Former State Rep. Keith Arnold, who originally obtained funding for the building from the Florida Legislature, said the SWFAS facility is a “great example of a public-private partnership” between the City of Cape Coral, which owns the land at 1105 Cultural Park Blvd., and SWFAS, which owns the building.

The Cape Coral facility was built with state funds secured by Arnold and dedicated November 10, 1991, when it was owned by another treatment program, Outreach, Inc. Three years later, Outreach closed its doors and reached an agreement for SWFAS to assume Outreach’s debt and ownership of the building as long as it was used for treating those with substance use disorders. The facility is built on land owned by the City of Cape Coral, which leases the land to SWFAS under a long-term lease.

More than 7,100 youngsters and adults have since passed through its doors to receive assessments and access outpatient substance abuse treatment and classes in anger management and violence diversion. Juvenile Drug Court participants also attend weekly counseling sessions as a court-ordered alternative to a detention center while parents attend weekly therapy sessions.

“We recognize the need for more services in Lee County’s largest city so we’ve gladly made space available in our building for other non-profits,” said SWFAS CEO Kevin B. Lewis.

More than a dozen agencies now offer services from the SWFAS facility either full-time or part-time under its additional designation as a United Way House.
Agencies that offer services at the United Way House include Lee Mental Health Center, Lee County Juvenile Drug Court, Literacy Volunteers of Lee County, Children’s Advocacy Center, CCMI and its Everyday Café and Marketplace, Lutheran Services of Florida, NAMI, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and various substance abuse recovery groups.

“Cape Coral residents now can access everything from food and job searches to mental health and substance abuse counseling without leaving Cape Coral,” Lewis said.